Ambassador Carter has had the honor to serve at the very highest levels of the US government including the White House, US Senate and Departments of Defense (DOD) and State (DOS).  His career began in the US Air Force as an Instructor/Evaluator Pilot and commanded numerous priority worldwide airlift and special operations missions.

Separating from active duty after 10+ years, he staffed Senate Leader Bob Dole as a National Security Advisor and subsequently performed duties at DOD as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.  Further subsequent government service included the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) and the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Baghdad, Iraq.  Throughout these years and between tours of federal service, he successfully led two separate government relations firms for over five years each.

Later during his consulting career, Tom also flew commercially and this experience, combined with his continued Air Force Reserve service, resulted in achieving 10,000 flight hours.  He retired from the Reserve after 34+ years at the rank of Major General.

In 2017, he was nominated and unanimously confirmed by the Senate as the US Representative to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with the rank of Ambassador.  In this capacity he represented the United States on all international aviation issues within the United Nations from 2017-2020.

Tom is a graduate of both the University of Memphis (BS) and Georgetown University (MA).  He is married to Mary Graham and lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC.  He presently serves on the Low Country Red Cross Board of Directors.

Eric Thome is the Vice President of Talent & Operations at Broadtree Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm. Additionally, he serves as the Director of VentureSouth Charleston, an angel investing group focused on early-stage, high-growth ventures in the Southeast. 

Eric received his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and his MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. He also served as board chair for Empower Charleston and as an advisory board member for Clemson Honors College.

Eric and his wife, Eloise, live in Charleston, SC with their daughters, Anna (14), Landon (12) and Virginia (5). He runs half marathons, practices mindfulness and meditation, loves to read, and stinks at golf.

David Bundy is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina. In his role as a Pediatric Hospitalist at the Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, he has seen firsthand the life-saving impact of Red Cross-collected blood products on critically ill children. Likewise, caring for hospitalized children during hurricanes reminds Dr. Bundy of the essential role that the American Red Cross plays during natural disasters.

Dr. Bundy received his BS in Engineering from Duke University, his MD from the University of Michigan Medical School, and his MPH from the University of California - Berkeley School of Public Health. He lives in Charleston with his wife and is the proud parent of three children.

Phillip Davis, MD is a physician executive and new drug developer with a background in general medicine and molecular imaging/nuclear medicine. He is the VP of Clinical Science at Blue Earth Diagnostics, an Oxford, England based pharmaceutical manufacturer. He also owns a consulting business that supports companies developing novel radiopharmaceutical products.

After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Science with a minor in Business Administration at the University of SC, Phillip completed medical school and residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He spent 10 years at the FDA in the Division of Medical Imaging and Radiation Medicine, working on numerous NDA and combination drug/device applications.

Phillip lives in Mt. Pleasant with his wife, Angel, and their 2 sons, Luke and Landon. Their daughter, Isabella, is a recent graduate of the University of SC College of Journalism and Mass Communications. He spends his free time outdoors, playing basketball with his sons, reading history, exploring the SC low country and attempting to play golf and tennis.

Katarina is a senior executive and a mechanical engineer with over 35 years of global experience from Europe, Asia and America, that includes R&D, Industrial Operations, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Education and Customer Experience.

Katarina has held several senior positions with Volvo Cars including Vice President Manufacturing Asia and Vice President Purchasing & Manufacturing America, leading the establishment of Volvo Cars’ first industrial footprint in America including overseeing the build of the production facility in South Carolina, a greenfield mega project. Most recently, Katarina was the Head of Volvo Car University and Sustainability for Volvo Cars America.

At present, Katarina works with Sustainability and Blue Green Economy Transition as the COO for Coastal 8, a Resiliency Systems Integration Partner. As a senior advisor, she also shares her vast experience with various industries and business leaders.

Katarina believes in giving back and is an active board member and community volunteer. Among her previous board assignments are Clemson University President’s Advisory Board, Cradle to Career Board, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and the Executive Board of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

She currently serves on the Board of Governors of the College of Charleston School of Business, the Red Cross SC Lowcountry Board, which she previously chaired, the Gibbes Museum Board and she is a co-founder of the College of Charleston ‘Women for Women Summit’, and a SDG ambassador for Sustain SC.

As a former Honorary Commander and Palmetto Leader at the Joint Military Base Charleston, she now serves on the Honorary Commander’s Advisory Council at the Joint Military Base.

Katarina is an Honorary Doctor of Science with Claflin University, a Manufacturing Institute STEP Ahead Award Honoree and a Founder’s Award Honoree with the Trident Literacy Association. 

Katarina loves the outdoors and is an avid sail racer and hunter.  She is passionate about the ocean and marine biology and has vacationed on expedition ships in the Arctic and Antarctica.

Marc is the former Commander of Joint Base Charleston and the 628th Air Base Wing.  In that capacity, Marc was responsible for $7.5 billion in base property and capital assets, an annual budget exceeding $172 million, and base support functions for more than 70,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians, dependents, and retirees.  Following 22 years of military service, Marc founded FHI Consulting, LLC, a defense and financial services consulting firm, and joined Floyd Lee Locums as Senior Director of Government Services.  

Captain Koepp, a native of Picayune, Mississippi, graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and commissioned through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program after completing Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Florida.  He earned a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and completed Joint Professional Military Education through Air Command and Staff College and National Defense University.

Captain Koepp’s submarine sea tours include Division Officer assignments aboard USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734), Navigation and Operations Department Head aboard USS VIRGINIA (SSN 774), and Executive Officer aboard USS BUFFALO (SSN 715).  He assumed command of USS COLORADO (SSN 788) in November 2017 where his team completed sea trials, commissioning, and Post Shakedown Availability to deliver the ship to the Fleet and prepare for the ship’s maiden deployment.

Ashore, Captain Koepp served on staff assignments that include Nuclear Training and Accessories Officer at Commander Navy Recruiting Command, Submarine Squadron Four Operations Officer, site Executive Officer at Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston South Carolina, and he served as Submarine Squadron Four Deputy Commander.  Most recently, he was the Commanding Officer at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston.  He is now the Joint Base Charleston and 628th Air Base Wing Deputy Commander, and the Naval Support Activity Charleston Commanding Officer.

Captain Koepp is privileged to have served on teams completing Strategic Deterrent Patrols, overseas deployments in SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility, major drydock maintenance availabilities and new construction. The units he served on received multiple unit awards, commendations, and Battle Efficiency E awards.   He is authorized to wear the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Marina and her husband, Matt, started Coastal Limo with one vehicle in 2012 when they noticed a growing need for a reliable black car service in Charleston, SC. The couple continued growing their local footprint in the transportation business and averaged about 12 to 15 vehicles until 2020. Following the pandemic, the Millers set course on further expanding their business. The Charleston fleet has grown to over 40 vehicles by 2023. Matt and Marina were also presented with an opportunity to acquire an established limousine and bus service in Bluffton, SC and closed the deal in April of 2022. The Bluffton office operates 25 vehicles and services surrounding areas, including Hilton Head Island, Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL. Continuing expansion, Matt and Marina launched Coastal Motor Coach, a luxury motor coach company catering to group transportation needs covering everything from school events and athletics to corporate group travel. The company is headquartered in Charleston and operates a branch office in Bristol, TN.

Aside from focusing on the growing business, Marina has always felt a strong desire to give back to her community. She decided to fulfill her calling by enrolling in a nursing program at the Medical University of South Carolina. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2017, Marina started her career MUSC as Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. In 2019 Marina switched gears and accepted a position in a busy high-risk Labor and Delivery unit. As an L & D nurse, Marina found great joy in caring for expecting mothers and providing patient education.

Due to the demands of the pandemic, Marina made a difficult decision to step away from her role as a registered nurse in 2021. After welcoming their first child later that year, Matt and Marina moved forward with their strategy to grow the company. Marina returned to the family business full-time and now heads the HR & Compliance Departments for all three companies.

After stepping away from a career in healthcare, Marina was seeking other ways to serve her community. She was eager to join the Lowcountry Red Cross Board in January of 2023. Marina resides in Isle of Palms with her husband Matt, son Finn and their beloved dog Syd.

Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani is an expert in the field of Organizational Leadership and served as the 2021-2023 Chair of the I-HOPE Women’s Business Center Advisory Board in Charleston, SC. She was featured in Forbes magazine as seen in June 16, 2014 issue spotlighting Southeast Women Business Leaders and the award winning Women In Business magazine of the American Business Women’s Association. Currently, she is an approved candidate for South Carolina State House of Representatives for District 98.

Dr. Ogletree Satani has been a leadership trainer for over 30 years and a business management consultant for 25 years. She has worked with universities in the United States and in China, Japan, and Brazil. Since founding Corporate Cycle Consulting, LLC in 2012, Dr. Ogletree Satani has been helping individuals and businesses improve their processes and operations and reach their desired strategic goals. Dr. Ogletree Satani's goals and passions are helping individuals and businesses to be profitable and successful. In addition, bridge leadership opportunities through communications, collaborations, and community service.

Her organization was named the 2013 Charleston County Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Small Business of the Year and was one of six finalists for the 2013 Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. She also co-founded a nonprofit organization in September 2019 called A Million Strong International in which they provide four key programs –1) relief support, 2) educational support, 3) financial support and 4) medical and therapeutic services.Additionally, she purchased an Award-Winning business networking franchise on December 29, 2021, Network in Action (NIA) –Corporate Cycle Connections. This allows Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani to bring together a coalition of like-minded business owners through the power of networking utilizing the state-of-the-art technology and professionally led monthly meetings to help NIA Members grow their business.

Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani has earned a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership from University of Phoenix (2013), a double MBA in Human Resource Management and Health Care Management from American Intercontinental University, Hoffman Estates, Illinois (2006), a BA in Spanish from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio (1996) and a Master Certificate in Applied Project Management from Villanova University (2009). She is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and is ready to help organizations improve their business standards.

Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani is medically retired from the United States Air Force and has worked in Public Relations, International Public Relations, Manufacturing, Human Resources, Community Organizer, Military and Government Contracting, Leadership Development and Training and has taught English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in public and private schools. Dr. Ogletree Satani served on the 2017-2018 National Board of Directors and Stephen Bufton Memorial Education Fund (SBMEF) Trustees for The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) as the National Presidentand was the 2019-2022 Chair of the South Carolina Area Council of ABWA. Dr. Ogletree Satani is also a 2016 ABWA Top Ten Business Woman and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. With all that she does, she continues to provide one-on-one attention to her family and her clients.

A native of Lunenburg, Massachusetts, CAPTAIN Andrew G. Peterson III graduated with highest distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in May 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned a Master of Science in Financial Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Subsequent sea tours include Division Officer assignments aboard USS MEMPHIS (SSN 691), Navigation/Operations Officer aboard USS OHIO (SSBN 726) (GOLD), Navigation/ Operations Officer aboard USS PARCHE (SSN 683), and Executive Officer aboard USS CHARLOTTE (SSN 766). His last sea assignment was Commanding Officer of USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723), forward deployed in Guam. He has completed numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Western Atlantic. While ashore, CAPT Peterson served at assignments to include Nuclear Power Division Officer at Naval Submarine School; Operations Analyst for Capability, Analysis, and Assessment Division (N81) within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; Deputy Commander for Mission Readiness at Submarine Squadron 15; Director, Office of International Nuclear Programs, in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters; and Commander of Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. CAPT Peterson assumed commanded of Naval Support Activity Charleston in June 2021 and also serves as the Deputy Commander of Joint Base Charleston.

As an advancement professional with more than 20 years’ experience, Dr. Piccolo has extensive experience in both Canada and the United States. Focusing her energies in the higher education sector, Dr. Piccolo has provided leadership and support as Foundation Executive Director, Chief Advancement Officer, and Vice President of Development/Advancement & External Relations for colleges in Kentucky, Indiana, South Carolina and Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Piccolo spent the early years of her career in Ontario within the social service sector, as a Young Offender Probation Officer and Provincial Director with the Ministry of Community and Social Services. She moved to Evansville, IN in 1994 where she began her focus on philanthropic giving.

While living in Evansville, Dr. Piccolo was very involved in her community and worked as an active board member on behalf of several agencies including United Way, Junior Achievement and Holly’s House. She was also an adjunct instructor in the Sociology Department at the University of Evansville. Once returning to her hometown of Toronto in September 2010, Dr. Piccolo continued her commitment to community service as an active board member of the Oakville United Way and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. Before joining Trident Technical College, Dr. Piccolo held the position of Vice President, Advancement and External Relations at Sheridan College in Oakville, ON.

Dr. Piccolo joined Trident Technical College in January, 2018 as the Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the Trident Technical College Foundation. As an engaged member of the President’s Cabinet, Dr. Piccolo oversees all aspects of philanthropic giving in support of Trident Technical College.

Dr. Piccolo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, a Master of Public Administration degree from Indiana State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern University.

After graduating from Trident Tech and then College of Charleston ’02, Jessica took a chance with an overly eager cover letter with limited credentials and applied to a Scale Up biotechnology lab position. Thank goodness her international employer took the chance on her too. Together they scaled up an in vitro pipeline of genetically engineered pine and eucalyptus research to a full scale production system that was eventually patented.  Jessica then changed gears all to together and partnered with her brother to bootstrap their parent’s business, Charleston’s Rigging & Marine Hardware Inc DBA Carolina’s Rigging. Fast forward to 2016, they moved their Carolina’s Rigging location to a purpose built Columbia facility off I-77 and the Charleston’s Rigging to the Navy Yard, North Charleston in 2018.

Their other partnership, Stella Kala LLC, also expanded with more commercial rental properties in NC and SC. She has represented CWIT Charleston Women in International Trade as “Woman of the Year” and has also served as Chairman of the Maritime Association of SC.  Jessica proudly began serving as on the Lowcountry Red Cross Board in 2021. She lives in Mt Pleasant with her husband Peter.  

Pamela and her husband, Paul West Ph.D., own AFMWorkshop, a nanotechnology company based in Hilton Head. Pamela’s career includes 35 years of major gifts fundraising, marketing and non-profit leadership within grassroots, national, and international organizations. Pamela served as Senior Philanthropy Officer for the Southern California Region of the American Red Cross, and has been certified in CPR and First Aid, as an Emergency Response Vehicle driver, and Communications volunteer. Pamela also serves on the Grants Committee of Women in Philanthropy, a fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.  

Captaining her sailboat and other boats up and down the North and Central American coastlines, Pamela’s passionate about the sea. She also loves working with people around the world; extensive global travel includes communities within “Least Developed Countries (LDCs)” as defined by the UN. Pamela’s Bachelors degree in Human Ecology is from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine.